The decision to purchase a used tractor can be confusing as there are so many different models to choose from and equipment options. It is probably best, in the beginning, to write a list of what exactly you require the tractor to do and what added equipment to you need exactly. If you are using a typical tractor for general use on a small farm, here are a few guide lines.
It all depends on what you need the tractor to do, as there can be a lot of difference between tractors. For instance, if you wanted one that will power a snow blower on a driveway roughly a quarter mile, or for mowing an acre of land. General farm use tractors are always needed for plowing so it’s what size tractor to choose; a two plow or three plow. This means the tractor can pull a two bottom or a three bottom plow sufficiently.
The soils on your land can also make a difference when choosing a tractor. Heavy clay soils or hills will require more power from the tractor; a two or three plow tractor has tilled many a Midwest farm. A good example to consider is it takes about 15 horsepower per bottom, so it would probably take 30 horse power for a two plow and 75 horse powers for a five bottom plow. By using different implements, these will use varied amounts of power.
Finding something that works well with a round baler may not be adequate for a small square baler; grinding feed can use a lot of power while harrowing a field can use a lot less power. Some would say the ideal thing to do is purchase your tractor first, and purchase implements based on the capabilities of your tractor. Make sure you have researched to buy the best tractor for your needs.
To buy a tractor, have you considered what machinery you would like the tractor to power. If you would like a hydraulic loader, look at tractors with dual hydraulic connections. Hydraulic hook ups, when using other implements can be a necessity, so look out for a dual remote one.
Never consider a tractor that does not have a power take off, (PTO). You may find that it is older tractors that do not have this. The most common was 540rpm but now more implements are using 1000rpm. Since the 1960s, many tractors were produced with both speeds. 1950 models had a live power take off which means it continued to run after the clutch was pushed in. Tractors before this made it hard using a mower, combine or corn picker because when the clutch was depressed everything stopped.
A similar principle to this is live hydraulics, this works when you depress the clutch the hydraulics controls still function. Many loader tractors can be used without this and the reverse is many think this is a great feature when using a loader; personal opinion, really. The older tractor had a one way hydraulic system; this system would lift and then rely on gravity to lower equipment. Cultivators, plows and mowers are just a few pieces that used this system.
When deciding to purchase a tractor, age, model and brand can play a huge part. If deciding to buy an older model, are the parts still available when needed. It’s pointless having a tractor if, when something needs replacing, you can no longer buy it. Parts can be expensive enough, as with any machinery, without having to nearly pay double if your dealer has to pay shipping expense to purchase the part you require. The longer this takes, the longer your tractor is out of action.
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Irwan is an owner of Used Tractor Supply Site Visit his website to find john deere tractor, kubota tractor, ford tractor, massey ferguson tractor, tractor information and other farming equipment guide.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Cost-Cutting Alternatives
At times, the thought of a new tractor may be great, but the wallet may place a damper on the idea. There are alternatives to purchasing a new tractor if money is an issue.
For occasional projects, tractors and implements can be leased from many rental supply companies, or you may consider paying a neighboring farmer to do some work for you. These options also work well if your tractor and implements are too small to undertake a one-time big job.
On small hobby farms, an ATV, or utility vehicle, like John Deere’s “Gator” may be a better choice than a tractor. There are a variety of implements available—from manure spreaders to snow plows and hydraulic front-end loader attachments—that work with these versatile machines.
Another option is to shop around for used tractors. However, when purchasing used (even newer used models) expect to incur more repair and maintenance expenses. If you aren’t mechanically inclined or don’t have the time to do a lot of maintenance and repairs, used equipment can make your life miserable. When shopping for older units, stick to brands that are common in your area of the country, and find out if parts and service are still available from a reputable local dealer. Tractor tires are expensive, so look at their condition. Check fluids for condition and quantity.
Gray-market tractors are a special class of used tractors, which are imported brands that were originally designed and manufactured for use in foreign countries. These gray-market units are imported for resale into the United States without the consent of their trademark owner. For example, Kubota produces a line of tractors for the U.S. market, which are designed to work correctly with implements used here and to meet environmental and safety standards in this country. They produce a separate line intended for use in Japan that runs implements found over there (which often run at higher PTO speeds than U.S. implements) and that meets different standards required in Japan.
Kubota doesn’t import the Japanese models into the United States, but gray-market dealers purchase them used in Japan and bring them here to sell. They sell cheaper initially than comparable used U.S. market tractors, but the original manufacturers don’t provide parts, service or support of any kind. Purchasing a gray-market tractor may seem like a money-saving option, but in the long run could cost you far more over time.
For occasional projects, tractors and implements can be leased from many rental supply companies, or you may consider paying a neighboring farmer to do some work for you. These options also work well if your tractor and implements are too small to undertake a one-time big job.
On small hobby farms, an ATV, or utility vehicle, like John Deere’s “Gator” may be a better choice than a tractor. There are a variety of implements available—from manure spreaders to snow plows and hydraulic front-end loader attachments—that work with these versatile machines.
Another option is to shop around for used tractors. However, when purchasing used (even newer used models) expect to incur more repair and maintenance expenses. If you aren’t mechanically inclined or don’t have the time to do a lot of maintenance and repairs, used equipment can make your life miserable. When shopping for older units, stick to brands that are common in your area of the country, and find out if parts and service are still available from a reputable local dealer. Tractor tires are expensive, so look at their condition. Check fluids for condition and quantity.
Gray-market tractors are a special class of used tractors, which are imported brands that were originally designed and manufactured for use in foreign countries. These gray-market units are imported for resale into the United States without the consent of their trademark owner. For example, Kubota produces a line of tractors for the U.S. market, which are designed to work correctly with implements used here and to meet environmental and safety standards in this country. They produce a separate line intended for use in Japan that runs implements found over there (which often run at higher PTO speeds than U.S. implements) and that meets different standards required in Japan.
Kubota doesn’t import the Japanese models into the United States, but gray-market dealers purchase them used in Japan and bring them here to sell. They sell cheaper initially than comparable used U.S. market tractors, but the original manufacturers don’t provide parts, service or support of any kind. Purchasing a gray-market tractor may seem like a money-saving option, but in the long run could cost you far more over time.
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